Synopses & Reviews
Suddenly anime is . . . exploding. But where did Japanese animation come from, and what does it all mean? Written for fans, culture watchers, and perplexed outsiders, this is an engaging tour of the anime megaverse, from older arts and manga traditions to the works of modern directors like Miyazaki and Otomo. Read about anime standbys like giant robots, samurai, furry beasts, high school heroines, and gay/girl/fanboy love—even war and reincarnation, plus all of anime’s major themes, styles, and conventions. At the end of the book are essays on 15 of fandom’s favorite anime, including Evangelion, Esca-flowne, Sailor Moon, and Patlabor.
"A good resource and guide to the foundation, historical development and overall themes in Japanese animation and serves as an excellent reference source whether you are an established fan or a person who wants to learn about the cultural aspects of this specific and increasingly popular genre. It is an easy yet thorough read on the myriad of societal aspects and cultural references Japanese animation holds." -- Active Anime
Review
"Drazen presents an intriguing look at Japanese culture and customs in anime. I can guarantee any fan will find many interesting tidbits about one series or another that they did not know beforeDrazen's writing style keeps the book moving forward and his insights are excellent. He combines a concrete basis in Japanese culture with just a dash of intellectual daring to explain anime in a fashion that makes the book extremely interesting." -Ridwan Khan, Animefringe.com
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"An excellent introduction to the social and cultural themes within anime...it fills a niche no other author has yet addressed...We heartily recommend this book." --Anime-Tourist.com
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"This book is useful not only as a reference to Anime, but also as a rewarding guide to some aspects of contemporary Japanese culture." Niagara University Library: Monthly Book Spotlight, June 2003
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"Exhaustive."-- East Bay Express
Review
"[Anime Explosion!] is a unique, refreshing look at the impetus behind anime which gives academic credence to a film genre that has never quite gotten the mainstream respect it truly deserves on this side of the Pacific...It's also an excellent reference work on the subject... Recommended for Japanese pop culture collections as well as public and academic library film collections." -Library Journal
Synopsis
Suddenly anime is exploding! But where did Japanese animation come from, and what does it all mean? Written for fans, culture watchers, and perplexed outsiders, this is an engaging tour of the anime universe, from its roots in traditional Japanese culture and art, its major themes and tropes (war and reincarnation, gay/girl/fanboy love, giant robots, samurai) and contemporary espressions. With a special section on 15 of fandom's favorite anime, including Escaflowne, Sailor Moon, and Evangelion.
Synopsis
Patrick Drazen will appear in Chicago (January and February)to promote his book. Review copies go to major media and anime reviewers, and postcards are distriuted at major anime conventions, including Anime Expo and Fanime. Anime Explosion! took part in BookSense Advance Access program, with publicity for Anime Starter Kit, and a Barnes and Noble table top promotion.
Synopsis
An entertaining explication of the deeper meanings and pleasures of anime, for fans and newcomers alike.
About the Author
Patrick Drazen has lectured on Japanese pop culture at the University of Chicago and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned a Masters of Arts degree. He has been published in Channels of Communication and the Journal of Pop culture. He and his wife live in Chicago.